Saint Vincent's summer celebration raises nearly $100,000

FALL RIVER — Saint Vincent’s held its sixth annual Kickoff to Summer Celebration on the deck of the Battleship Massachusetts last week and raised over $97,000.

The event, overlooking Fall River’s waterfront, was sponsored by Mechanics Cooperative Bank. More than $97,000 was raised through sponsorships, donations and tickets sales as well as auctions and a special Fund a Need request. The proceeds from the evening directly benefit youth in Saint Vincent’s Life Skills Program who are transitioning to independent living and young adulthood. Saint Vincent’s youth who are aging out of care are provided with the skills and tools necessary to complete their education, obtain employment, and live as productive adults within society.

John Weldon, Saint Vincent’s CEO, presented awards to Joseph Baptista Jr., president and CEO of Mechanics Cooperative Bank; Deborah Grimes, summer celebration chairwoman and executive vice president of Mechanics Cooperative Bank; Joseph Ruggiero Jr. of First Ford; Lisa Medeiros, president of East Commerce Solutions; and Fatima Vieira of BayCoast Bank.

Weldon thanked each award recipient for his or her dedication and commitment to youth of the community. Grimes offered a special thank you to all sponsors, donors and attendees for the “outpouring of generosity.”

More than 400 guests enjoyed dinner and dessert prepared by several area restauarants. The World Premier Band entertained guests well into the evening.

Silent and live auctions featured more than 90 items, including Boston Red Sox tickets, autographed sports memorabilia, golf packages, destination packages, jewelry, beer and wine. Guests raised an additional $12,000 through a Fund a Need request and played a game of Heads or Tails for a weekend in New York City, complete with two tickets to a Broadway show. B Sharp Entertainment of Taunton provided a photo booth.

Saint Vincent’s, with program sites in Fall River, offers behavioral health services and support for children and families. Its staff provides residential and day school education programs for middle and high school students, direct care, in-home and community-based services, outpatient behavioral health, residential and group living support, many forms of support and stabilization and respite for families.

For more information, call Saint Vincent’s at 508-679-8511 or visit www.stvincentshome.org.